High school seniors have distinctly different reasons for drinking, according to an analysis of data from the 2004 Monitoring the Future survey.

The most common reason for drinking cited by both male and female 12th graders was to have a good time, followed by to experiment and to relax.

A statistical analysis of these motivations resulted in four profiles of drinking motivations: 1) experimenters; 2) thrill-seekers (drink to have a good time and to get high); 3) relaxers; and 4) multi-reasoners (drink for a combination of escape and pleasure-seeking motivations).

Youths with the lowest levels of risky drinking behaviors were more likely to be classified as experimenters while those with the highest levels of such behaviors were more likely to be classified as multi-reasoners.

The authors conclude that "targeted interventions that tailor program content to the distinct drinking motivation profiles…may prove to be effective in reducing risky drinking behavior among high school seniors."

For details, including data charts, source information and caveats, download the PDF.

Reprinted from CESAR Fax, a weekly, one-page overview of timely substance abuse trends or issues, from the Center for Substance Abuse Research (CESAR) at the University of Maryland.